"This recording’s chief interest, apart from the high quality performances, is Jonathan Talbott’s use of a Renaissance violin. It's sound is a revelation, mellow yet firm and reedy... capable of an equally wide range of tonal nuances... Talbott nimbly executes the fast and florid pieces, but is equally adept in more solemn pieces such as Schop’s magnificent arrangement of Striggio’s madrigal Nasce la pena mia."

–Goldberg Magazine

*****

Forgotten Virtuosi

"Étienne Nau's unforgettable solo "Fantasie" is a deeply felt, highly personal expression which contrasts utter simplicity with fizzing fireworks. Stunningly played here by Talbott with finely-graduated passion... As the star of the disc, Talbott's playing is quite superb... His nimble articulation is a model of clarity, tuning is immaculate and technical mastery self-evident.

–SA-CD.net

*****

"Jonathan Talbott's violin playing proved that the virtuoso was not purely a 19th century phenomenon."

"Jonathan Talbott's playing, which vividly phrased, ample in tone, and focussed to the very finest of pin points, had the additional advantage of looking a wee bit strange. The instrument was not being held under the chin, the way BSO violinists and other such solid citizens do it, but held in the crook of the arm. What did this picture say? Poor vulnerable thing -- giving off such lamentations, needing to be cradled..."

–Boston Globe

*****

"The music making was fresh and lively; Talbott, on his soprano violin, showed himself to be a master of the art of baroque ornamentation."

"The Sonata a Violino solo (1681) by Biber made a great impression with the passionate and virtuoso playing by violinist Jonathan Talbott... The communicative playing between the vioin and theorbo in the sonata no. III by Biber was a feast for the ears."

"It wasn't just Talbott's grace under pressure that ensured a successful performance. He played mighty well, too. In fact, he played with more style and expression than many professionals. He showed a maturity and flair for the music that was quite winning. The audience was on its feet at the end."